But the 32-year-old will remain in Formula 1 for a 12th successive season after penning a deal with Williams.

The team have confirmed that Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado will make way for Massa, with Valtteri Bottas remaining with the team to partner the Brazilian.

"When I was a kid, I always dreamed of racing for Williams, Ferrari or McLaren and I'm glad to be signing with another icon of the sport," said the Brazilian driver.

Massa, who won 11 Grands Prix during his eight-year stint with Ferrari, has signed a three-year deal with the Oxfordshire-based team, who after dominating F1 during the 1980s and 90s are currently undergoing the least successful season in their history.

"The team wants to grow," added Massa, who hasn't won an F1 race since 2008.

"It is already a big team but they are really pushing hard to go back to what they were in the past.

"It is a team to fight for the championships and good results and I really want to be a part of it.

"I understand what they are doing to get stronger. I think we can be very successful and I believe it is the best choice compared to the other choices I had."